Ty Jordan, a first-year star who ran back to the University of Utah who grew up in the Dallas area, died, school officials announced on Saturday. He was 19 years old.
Texas and Utah officials have not released details about the circumstances of Jordan’s death, but the CBS KUTV affiliate in Salt Lake City reports that Jordan died in an accidental shooting. Police in Denton, Texas, reported via Twitter who responded to a shootout in Block 1100 on Avenida A. They said there was no danger to the public as the victim accidentally fired the gun. They did not identify the victim.
The day before, Jordan was named the Pac-12 rookie of the year.
“Words cannot express the devastation and headache that our team is now feeling upon learning of the tragic death of our teammate and brother, Ty Jordan,” said American football coach Kyle Whittingham in a statement.
Jordan, a 1.75 meter, 200 pound fast player, emerged from a crowded Utah backfield to become the focal point of the team’s attack. He ended the season with 597 running yards, 11 receptions for 126 yards and six touchdowns.
Rick Bowmer / AP
Jordan emerged as a tailback playing in Mesquite, a Dallas suburb, and was a highly praised recruit. He made a perfect transition to the college game, including three consecutive 100-yard performances to close the season.
Utah was one of nearly two dozen major college football teams to refuse the opportunity to play a post-season bowling game, instead of allowing players who had been under strict COVID-19 protocols for months to start their seasons.